A Deeply Moody Anchor of Crinkled Obsidian Foliage
Hosta ‘Black Beauty’ is a commanding presence in the Canadian landscape, offering a level of depth and texture that few other greens can match. Registered in 1984 by Kate Carpenter, this large-scale hybrid of ‘Green Piecrust’ features heart-shaped leaves so dark they often appear blackish toward the centre. Its foliage is notably thick and unruly, with a crinkled, ruffled surface that creates a play of shadows across the garden floor from the foothills of Alberta to the moist woodlands of Ontario. Because we value the integrity of your collection, we personally observe the emergence of this variety in Bécancour to ensure the distinct leaf crinkle and moody hue are True to Type before your order is ever prepared for its journey.
Why It Stands Out
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Inky Dark Foliage: Renowned as one of the darkest greens available, with a deep, almost charcoal-grey to forest-green finish.
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Textural Complexity: The crinkled and ruffled leaf surface provides a rugged, tactile quality that resists the typical summer wear.
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Substantial Presence: Reaching a broad 115 cm (45") width, it functions as a dense, reliable anchor for any large-scale perennial border.
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Late Summer Interest: Tall scapes with leafy bracts produce deep lavender flowers in early August, extending the garden’s visual appeal.
Technical Specs
| Feature |
Details |
| Size |
56 cm (22") High × 115 cm (45") Wide |
| Hardiness Zone |
Canadian Zones 3–9 |
| Colour |
Dark Green to Black-Green |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to Full Shade |
Grower’s Tip
To emphasize the blackish tones of Hosta ‘Black Beauty’, plant it in deeper shade where the absence of direct light allows its dark pigments to truly intensify. We believe in shipping plants that are ready to perform, which is why we never send out dormant roots. We wait for the first flush of spring in Bécancour to verify that the unruly, puckered leaf form is True to Type, ensuring you receive a healthy, vigorous specimen that lives up to its name.
